Hiring checklist for Independent Contractor

Independent Contractor hiring checklist

Bringing an independent contractor on board is an effective way to add specialised skills to your organisation on a flexible basis. To make sure the working relationship is clear and compliant with legal requirements, follow a structured process.

Use the checklist below to guide the hiring and management of independent contractors and to keep the engagement clear and legally compliant.

1. Define the scope of work

• Identify the project or tasks: clearly specify the work the contractor must undertake.

• Set project timelines — confirm the start date, key deadlines and anticipated completion date.

• Specify deliverables — list the expected outcomes, products or services the contractor will supply.

2. Determine contractor status

• Verify classification — check the worker satisfies local legal criteria for independent contractor status.

• Avoid misclassification: Be cautious about exerting control over how the work is carried out, as that can lead to the worker being treated as an employee.

3. Budget and payment terms

• Create a project budget.

• Agree payment terms and decide if you’ll pay hourly, per project or by another method.

• Establish a payment schedule — set milestones for payments, such as upfront, on task completion or at project end.

4. Draft a contract

Prepare a written contract that sets out the engagement terms and key clauses, including:

• Scope and nature of work

• Payment terms

• Deadlines

• Confidentiality and non-disclosure

• Intellectual property rights and ownership

• Termination clause

Seek legal advice to confirm the contract complies with relevant laws.

5. Obtain necessary documentation

• Proof of Insurance (if applicable)

• Portfolio or references

6. Establish communication protocols

• Primary contact — nominate a single point of contact inside your organisation.

• Communication tools — agree which methods you’ll use.

• Schedule regular check-ins to track progress.

7. Onboard the contractor

• Give access to required tools, software or platforms.

• Provide a short orientation on your company’s processes, culture and expectations.

• Make sure the contractor understands and follows company security protocols.

8. Monitor progress and quality

• Regular status updates

• Perform quality checks

• Give feedback

9. Finalise and close out the project

• Review final deliverables

• Process final payment

A single platform to hire and manage contractors compliantly

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Remote’s contractor management services help you hire, pay and manage contractors worldwide so you can concentrate on growing your business. With Remote you can:

• Offer straightforward onboarding for contractors

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• Ensure compliance with local employment laws and tax rules

• Protect your intellectual property

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Learn more about our contractor management services, or if you’re ready to start onboarding contractors, sign up today.